Nurses across Nigeria, under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), have commenced a seven-day warning strike beginning Wednesday, 30 July 2025.
The industrial action follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Nigerian government on 14 July, over long-standing, unmet demands.
The union is demanding a review of shift and uniform allowances, the creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Despite the ultimatum, the union stated that no response was received from the government, necessitating the decision to down tools.
In a statement, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, made it clear that the strike would proceed as planned.
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“They had 15 good days to respond. This strike is going on as planned,” he declared, adding that members were ready to face consequences, including “no work, no pay.”
Rilwan described the strike as a grassroots decision, driven by frustration among rank-and-file nurses who have endured decades of neglect and poor working conditions.
“For over 40 years, nurses have not gone on strike. Now they are fed up,” he said.
The union warned that if no satisfactory resolution is reached after the warning strike, a further 21-day ultimatum will be issued in accordance with labour laws. If unmet, this will culminate in an indefinite nationwide strike.
“Only institutions not financially affiliated with NANNM-FHI, like FMC Ebute-Metta and LUTH Lagos, are exempt from the action,” the union clarified.